AFL Saturday Recap

Read about all the Saturday action.

Collingwood began Saturday by defeating Fremantle convincingly at the MCG, 15.17.107-12.6.78.

Even without superstar Scott Pendlebury, the depth of Swan, Beams, Blair and Sidebottom was too much as the group went to town on their Docker opponents despite some notable performances from Matthew Pavlich and Michael Barlow.

The Magpies structure seemed as if they outnumbered the Dockers at every contest, dominating across the middle and around half forward, asquashing each mini-comeback Fremantle attempted.

Pavlich was at his best, kicking five goals to go with had 21 touches despite playing in a lonesome forward line and Barlow is nearing his sensational 2010 rookie form with 37 possessions.

At least there is some good news for Freo on the horizon. They have a very kind draw over the next month and should receive some of their midfield elite back into the team.

After a rough start Adelaide were able to defend AAMI Stadium despite falling behind early. Richmond used an eight goal to three opening quarter to storm ahead, but lost all their momentum as the game progressed.

Jack Riewoldt kicked all of his three goals in that first term for the Tigers, but his team could only manage five more for the match, eventually being run over 17.4.106-13.9.87 after the Crows booted six in the final quarter.

Still down heading into the fourth, the Crows kicked the first three goals to set up a small lead until a late Dustin Martin goal brought the Tigers back within seven, but Porplyzia was able to kick the game sealing goal in his 100th game to win it for Adelaide.

Taylor Walker kicked five for the home team while Scott Thompson continued his All-Australian worthy season with a team-high 32 disposals.

The Tigers fade came despite a host of players amassing a heap of touches with Deledio, Tuck, Jackson, Cotchin and Martin each getting their hands on a lot of the ball.

Injuries to both sides; Jake King was subbed off with a knee injury while Nathan Van Berlo suffered a similar fate with a leg problem.

West Coast hammered the Gold Coast 25.16.166-5.10.40 behind a dominant midfield effort and kept Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett under wraps for most of the match.

It was an important percentage boosting win for the Eagles who saw four players notch over 30 possessions and another five over 25.

In another uncompetitive game, Essendon made quick work of the Western Bulldogs, winning 21.14.140-8.8.56. The win keeps the Bombers in the hunt for a top 4 spot.

Michael Hurley had a second straight great game in front of goals, kicking five, while Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton and Dustin Fletcher were all terrific.

For the Dogs, Robert Murphy was forced to leave the game with an injury.

And finally, in the Sydney derby, the Swans ran all over GWS 19.18.132-5.8.38.

The Giants hung around for a while early on, but were booted out of the game shortly after halftime.

Lewis Jetta bagged three and Adam Goodes and Kieran Jack each chipped in with two goals apiece.

Although it was the second time GWS had been smashed in the Sydney derby this year, the team can be exciting to watch and their run and effort is at least pleasing to see.